Wednesday, October 26, 2011

(We are very excited to study 1 Peter with you. Please keep in mind that we are not experts on the Bible. We are studying 1 Peter for the first time with you. Therefore, if we write anything that you feel is incorrect, we ask that you share this with us. We want to make sure we are as accurate as possible. We also ask that you share your thoughts each week as well.)

Peter, whose name Jesus changed from Simon to Peter, was one of the 12 disciples. He did deny Jesus, but repented and became an Apostle. Peter wrote this letter to encourage Christians who are suffering. A lot of the Christians during that time were being persecuted for their belief in Jesus. These were new believers who were being forced to question their new faith. The purpose of this letter is hope.

Even nowadays, there are Christians being persecuted for their beliefs. However, we also have to remember that persecution and suffering can happen to any of us through any trials of life. Including autism. It's hard to remember during our suffering, persecutions and storms in life that this is not forever. We have something so much better in Eternity with Christ.

Below are some points that my Bible, Life Application Study Bible; New Living Translation, made in the footnotes that meant a lot to me.

* God will protect us and help us remain faithful during our trials.
* Trials teach us patience.
* Faith is tested during trials.

When I think about autism and the struggles we have dealt with over the years, I am so thankful for God's hand through it all. During the hard times, I couldn't see where he was taking us. I had no idea where we were going. All I knew was to remain faithful and he would guide me on where to go, what to do and how to help my child. My patience has been tested and made stronger. My faith has been tested and is the strongest it's ever been. 1 Peter 1-12 shows me to keep my eyes on eternity, have faith in God and how he will be there for me and to stand firm in my Christian beliefs.

Verse that meant the most to me:You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy. - 1 Peter 8

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

The Bible! Well, a book in the Bible. We've decided to study 1 Peter. There are many different versions of the Bible that are available. For myself, I will be studying from the Life Application Study Bible. Here's what this version tells us about Peter:

Peter, whose name Jesus changed from Simon to Peter, wrote this letter for Christians suffering for their faith, giving comfort and hope, and urging continued loyalty to Christ. The purpose of this book in the Bible is to encourage suffering Christians.

Key Verse:
"These trials are only to test your faith....So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." -1 Peter 1:7

Take the next week to read, study and pray that God will speak to you over the following verses: 1 Peter 1-12.

Join us on Wednesday October 26th for a more in depth discussion on 1 Peter 1-12.